Ballarat is a city in the state of Victoria, Australia, approximately 105 kilometres west-north-west of the state capital Melbourne situated on the lower plains of the Great Dividing Range and the Yarrowee River catchment. It is the largest inland centre and third most populous city in the state and the fifth most populated inland city in Australia. The estimated urban area population is 96,000. It is the administrative centre for the City of Ballarat, which encompasses both the urban area and outlying towns spanning an area of 740 square kilometres. Inhabitants of Ballarat are known as Ballaratians.

It was named by Scottish settler Archibald Yuille who established the sheep run called Ballaarat in 1837 with the name derived from local Wathaurong Aboriginal words for the area, balla arat, thought to mean "resting place". The present spelling was officially adopted in 1996.

Ballarat is one of the most significant Victorian era boomtowns in Australia. Gold was discovered at Poverty Point on 18 August 1851, and the district was found to be a rich alluvial field where gold could easily be extracted. News of the finds intensified the Victorian gold rush bringing over 10,000 migrants to the city from around the world within a year and transforming it from a station to a major settlement in the newly proclaimed Colony of Victoria. Australia's first gold stamp mill was established at Ballarat in 1854.

It was the site of the Eureka Rebellion, the only armed civil uprising in Australian history, which took place on 3 December 1854 at the Eureka Mining Lead, and the event is controversially identified with the birth of democracy in Australia. Many significant Australian cultural icons are also a legacy of Ballarat's gold rush boom. The rebellion's symbol, the Eureka Flag has become a national symbol and is held at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Australia's oldest and largest regional gallery. Other nationally significant heritage structures include the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, established 1857, the best example of a regional botanic gardens in Australia with the greatest concentration of public statuary including the official Prime Ministers Avenue; the longest running lyric theatre building, Her Majesty's, established 1875; the first municipal observatory, established 1886; and the earliest and longest memorial avenue, the Avenue of Honour, established between 1917 and 1919.

Proclaimed a city in 1871, its prosperity continued until late in the 19th century, after which its importance relative to both Melbourne and Geelong rapidly faded with the slowing of gold extraction. It has endured as a major regional centre hosting the rowing and kayaking events from the 1956 Summer Olympics. It is the commercial capital of the Central Highlands and the largest city in the Goldfields region of Victoria ? a significant tourist destination. Ballarat is known for its history, culture and its well preserved Victorian era heritage.

Kryal Castle is a fantasy-based medieval theme park and resort that provides a family-friendly day out in Ballarat. With admission, you'll discover myths, magic, and legends; be entertained by live jousting; watch a show; visit the Torture Museum; experience the Dragon's Labyrinth; try archery and sword play; and more.

When you arrive at Kryal Castle, "a land of medieval adventure," head inside with your pre-booked admission for an immersion into a fantasy world of wizards, dragons, and knights. Activities include jousting, arena and theater shows, torture and dungeon attractions, archery and swords, the Wizards Workshop, and the Ale House, where you can enjoy a drink (own expense). Â

Performances and activities are designed for the whole family, young and old.

Enter the labyrinth of Australia's only haunted Castle in a 1.5-hour unique, after dark experience. During your tour you will hear about the ghost of a boy in the sweet shop whose skeleton, the spirit of a forgotten actor and cursed stones transported from a medieval Spanish Castle. This high paranormal activity ghost tour is one you won't want to miss.

Join your guide at Kryal Castle for a 90-minute guided ghost and history tour departing at 8:30pm.

Enter the labyrinth of Australia's only haunted Castle in a unique, after dark experience. Your guide will take you on a 1.5-hour discovery as you are haunted by the the ghost of a boy in the sweet shop whose skeleton was displayed in the torture chamber, the spirit of a forgotten actor and cursed stones transported from a medieval Spanish Castle.

Haunted headstones, children's attractions that move of their own accord and medieval torture instruments make this a unique experience one not to be missed.